Highlights
Consumer confidence picked up sharply in January led by a big improvement in the assessment of the jobs market. The Conference Board's index jumped more than seven points in January to 60.6 with those saying jobs are currently hard to get falling more than 2-1/2 percentage points to 43.4 percent for the best reading in two years. In confirmation of improvement, December's reading was revised eight tenths lower to 46.0 percent. January marks an upward pivot for the jobs-hard-to-get reading which is widely used as a gauge for the monthly employment report.

Other details confirm improvement including a narrowing in pessimism over income prospects and future employment prospects. Buying plans for cars and homes also improved. Today's report is important evidence that the economy, including the jobs market, is picking up steam.

Market Consensus before announcement
The Conference Board's consumer confidence index for December unexpectedly declined 1.8 points to 52.5. The latest setback was largely related to soft labor market conditions. Of the report's roughly 3,000 initial sample, 46.8 percent say jobs are currently hard to get in what is the worst reading since February.

2011 Release Schedule

Released On: 1/25 2/22 3/29 4/26 5/31 6/28 7/26 8/30 9/27 10/25 11/29 12/27 Release For: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec